Flexyhand test for filaflex tendons reversed system

thingiverse

This is a test of a new system where the standard opening mechanism of the wrist is reversed, so that the elastics keep the hand closed and the fingers clenched while moving the wrist downwards opens the hand. I enlarged the channels in the fingers on the palm side to allow for thicker cords such as filaflex or other strong elastics to contract the fingers. I made holes at the base of the finger to tie the elastic. A new channel was created on the back of the finger, connecting to the channels in the palm, for non-elastic cord that will open the hand when the wrist is moved downwards. Only one finger has been done so far, once it's proven to work well it will be further developed. With this system, the stronger and more tense the elastic is, the better the grip strength will be. Consequently, less or more effort is required to open the hand by pushing the wrist downwards, depending on the tension of the elastic. This balance of forces allows the user to choose how strong the grip is according to their wrist strength. A system to regulate the tension of the elastic could also be developed, perhaps using boa fasteners or similar. Another advantage of this system is its adaptive grip - when grabbing a ball the fingers will automatically adapt to its shape, increasing the grabbing capability. Additionally, the user won't have to keep their wrist muscles in tension while holding an item, only when the hand needs to be opened. This will be beneficial for activities like riding a bike or rowing, among others. Steve Wood's video demonstration shows how this system would work with a Talon Hand using filaflex as elastic. Talon Hand - Normally Closed is shown here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPE68kLHkwY&feature=youtu.be Any feedback from people willing to test it would be great. It works best with filaflex filament but you can also use any strong elastic, the stronger the better as long as its thickness fits through the channels at the front of the fingers. This is a remix of Steve Wood's design and is still a work in progress. To print this, you need to have ABS or PLA 3D printer capable. The joints are made of flexible filament but filaflex works best. There are only three parts: one finger, one palm and three filaflex joints to be printed. Once assembled you can string it together.